2018 Film Festival

This polished exploration of family, sacrifice, and love tells the heartwarming true story of a young Turkish soldier who takes in a stranded five-year-old discovered on the battlefields of the Korean War.

film synopsis

It’s the 1950s and Turkey has sent a brigade to Korea to support the United Nations Command for military aid. Sargeant Suleyman, a young Turkish soldier, and his band of friends are among those selected to fight.

One night on the battlefield, Suleyman stumbles across a stranded five-year-old, and, moved by the child’s helplessness, he brings her back to the army base. He nicknames her Ayla, meaning “halo of light around the moon” to commemorate the night he found her. The adorable Ayla (played by scene-stealing Kim Seol) brings much needed laughter and life to the Turkish brigade as she and Suleyman form an intimate bond that is put to the test as the war comes to an end.

Based on the amazing true story of Süleyman Dilbirliği and Kim Eun-ja, this charming and heartwarming debut film by Turkish director Can Ulkay is an emotional and beautiful drama, a polished exploration of family, sacrifice, and love.

In competition for the FIPRESCI Prize.

film details

Original Language Title:

Ayla

Country:

Turkey

Year:

2017

Running Time:

124 minutes

Language:

Turkish, English and Korean

Subtitles:

Yes

Awards:

Audience Award, Asian World Film Festival; Best Editing, Cape Town International Film Market and Festival